Recognizing a Hydro Champion

By Kris Polly

With Congressman Dan Newhouse’s time in the U.S. House of Representatives coming to a close, we are happy to recognize him and his contributions to hydropower. It is fitting that this recognition should coincide with the signing into law of the Build More Hydro Act, which Congressman Newhouse was instrumental in advancing. In our cover story this month, we speak with Congressman Newhouse, who has represented Washington’s Fourth Congressional District since 2015, about the new law, the importance and benefits of hydropower, and the role it will play in our nation’s energy future.

We keep the focus on Washington State with a look at the Snohomish County Public Utility District, which provides electricity to 385,000 customers and is the Bonneville Power Administration’s largest single client in addition to owning five hydropower plants of its own. To pursue its mission, the district is engaged in modernization, environmental stewardship, and public engagement.

Next, we speak with Laura Read of Upstream Tech about HydroForecast, an AI-powered software tool for monitoring hydrology. We discuss the technology and methods behind this accurate and reliable tool and how it can help dam and hydro operators manage risk and make smart operational decisions.

After that, we speak with Marcel Young‑Scaggs, a senior water resources engineer at Inter‑Fluve, which focuses on restoring river habitats and helping owners minimize and mitigate the environmental effects of hydropower facilities. He tells us about the common environmental challenges owners face and how Inter‑Fluve helps address them.

After decades at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the U.S. Department of Energy, Tim Welch is well known throughout the hydropower industry. Now, he has started a consultancy, HydropowerMatters LLC. In our interview, he explains how he is putting his expertise to use helping clients navigate the world of federal regulation and licensing.

Finally, we look forward to the biggest hydropower event of the year, the National Hydropower Association’s Clean Currents conference, which will be taking place in Phoenix, Arizona, from September 22 to 24.

As Congressman Newhouse retires after six terms of distinguished service in the House of Representatives, we salute him for his legislative efforts on behalf of hydropower and his effective communication of hydropower facilities’ benefits.

Kris Polly is the editor-in-chief of Hydro Leader magazine and the president and CEO of Water Strategies LLC, a government relations firm he began in February 2009 for the purpose of representing and guiding water, power, and agricultural entities in their dealings with Congress, the Bureau of Reclamation, and other federal government agencies. He may be contacted at kris.polly@waterstrategies.com.